Third SPC Regional Technical Meeting on Coastal Fisheries

Third SPC Regional Technical Meeting on Coastal Fisheries SAMOA COASTAL FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE TECHNICAL ISSUES AND PRIORITIES

Coastal Fisheries Technical Priorities 1. Enhanced food security, community livelihoods and economic growth through sustainable development and management of coastal fisheries; • Development of nearshore FADs to increase the volumes of fish catch for local coastal communities, • Alternative fisheries activities such as restocking programs and explore other viable options, 2. Improved and strengthened capacity to manage coastal fisheries; • Implement effective enforcement protocols and procedures • Improve technical, analytical, monitoring skills and delivery services within the Coastal Fisheries 3. Strengthening community participation in the Community Based Fisheries management Program (CBFMP) • Facilitate and implement Village Fisheries Management Plans and Bylaws • Establish village Fish Reserve and management areas

Aquaculture Technical Priorities 1. Improved skills and scientific capacity building on new aquaculture commodities through; • Hatchery operations and management, • Farming procedures of new commodities feasible for Samoa, 2. Diversify the number of aquatic species that can be cultured in Samoa; • Promote hands on training opportunities for top priority potential commodities • Initiate seed production for aquaculture and coastal fisheries restocking purposes

Actions taken since RTMCF 1 and 2 (Nov 2018) 1. Gender analysis on Fisheries and Aquaculture in Samoa. 2. Conducted stock assessments for trochus and sea cucumber and district profiling. 3. Development and drafted of specific coastal fisheries management plans and strategies; • Samoa National Aquatic Biosecurity Strategy 2020 -2024 • Trochus management and development plan • Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) Program Development and Management Plan • National Fisheries Sector Policy 4. Developed and promoted better aquaculture management practices (BMPs); • Tilapia spawning using incubators and pond maintenance • Feed formulation trials using the local available ingredients (cassava, breadfruits, fish meals, ) • Tilapia cage culture (Satoalepai Lake) • Socio-economic survey and value adding of the Trochus (Rochia niloticus) (shell polishing and crafting)

Coastal Fisheries Issues or Challenges 1. Lack of coastal fisheries regulations and enforcement 2. Political pressure (both communities and government level) 3. Lack of community awareness and capacity building programs 4. Staff turnover 5. Lack of resources to support coastal fisheries programs

Aquaculture Issues or Challenges 1. Lack of capacity in other potential aquaculture commodities suitable to Samoa. 2. Limited resources to perform aquaculture activities (freshwater and mariculture)